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The Cowboys of Cider Creek #1
Rescued by the Rancher
He's on guard
…with a woman and her protective canine
When rancher Callum Hayes learns that Payton Reinert has returned to Cider Creek, Texas, to hide out from a killer, he opens his family home to her and her rescue dog. Though reluctant to offer his heart—broken by betrayal—he can't ignore his electrifying attraction to the vulnerable beauty and his desire to protect her. Even if stopping the monstrous killer means risking his life…
…with a woman and her protective canine
When rancher Callum Hayes learns that Payton Reinert has returned to Cider Creek, Texas, to hide out from a killer, he opens his family home to her and her rescue dog. Though reluctant to offer his heart—broken by betrayal—he can't ignore his electrifying attraction to the vulnerable beauty and his desire to protect her. Even if stopping the monstrous killer means risking his life…
251 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 2, 2023
193 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Barb Han
365 books210 followersBARB HAN is a USA TODAY, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Bestselling Author. Reviewers have called her books "heartfelt" and "exciting."
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.
Sign up to receive Barb's news and release announcements at www.BarbHan.com.
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.
Sign up to receive Barb's news and release announcements at www.BarbHan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 25, 2023
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Rescued by the Rancher begins The Cowboys of Cider Creek series with a gripping romance with just the right touches of underlying, building danger, family obligations, and finding trust again after circumstances (and people) have shattered it almost beyond repair.
Payton used to trust, oh, she’d listen to her instincts, those gut feelings that no one should ignore… mostly. But this time she made a mistake in not listening to those instincts screaming at her to say no to the offer of help, to not trust someone so charming or so deadly. She barely escaped an attack that would have resulted in not only rape but murder by a man who had done both before. And now she’s in hiding because that serial killer is still out there… and he’s searching for her. With her rescue dog, Atlas, a stubborn pup who usually hates men, Payton will return to the home she inherited, determined to lay low and stay alive. Her property is rather run down, and she really isn’t as safe there as she’d hoped she’d be. The kindness of a stranger, a man whose family owns the famous ranch across the street will change her life in so many ways. As well as offer a future she’d never imagined… but first, they both have to survive.
Callum has returned to the family ranch at his mother’s request. In fact, she’s asked all of her children to come home immediately. His grandfather, who he argued with constantly and was the reason Callum left Cider Creek to make his life and fortune elsewhere, has died leaving only Callum’s mother and grandmother (and ranch hands) at the ranch. There’s more that she’s not telling him, but he has no intention of leaving the business he’s started in Houston for longer than a few weeks to figure out what’s going on at home. His visit to the new neighbor across the way will change his life as he helps to keep her safe from a serial killer. Helping Payton wasn’t a chore at all; the attraction sparking between them is obvious even in the face of danger. But he’s given his trust before and been burned badly for that decision. Trust isn’t something he easily gives, but with Payton (and her protective, stubborn dog) he might be on the way to learning a few new tricks of his own.
Rescued by the Rancher caught my attention and imagination from the first chapter and never let go until the final page. Theirs is a believable slow-burn style of romance as they face the danger that Payton is in together, begin to unravel the additional danger to Callum’s family ranch, and track down a killer who has no intention of allowing the victim who survived to get away from him. I will mention that attempted rape is a subject in this story. Not graphic by any means, but if this might be a trigger situation for you… simply be aware.
I had such a good time in this world with a story that is gripping, humorous at times, and intensely dangerous at others. There is a bit of world-building in the background since this is the first story in a new series, but what is there is smoothly delivered as narrative or dialogue. This is the type of story that draws me back to a series, with believable characters, enough of a mystery to grab my imagination, and a well-written story that invites me to learn more about what is happening to the Hayes family. If that’s your type of story as well, then I’m betting you’re going to love The Cowboys of Cider Creek. I know I already do.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
Rescued by the Rancher begins The Cowboys of Cider Creek series with a gripping romance with just the right touches of underlying, building danger, family obligations, and finding trust again after circumstances (and people) have shattered it almost beyond repair.
Payton used to trust, oh, she’d listen to her instincts, those gut feelings that no one should ignore… mostly. But this time she made a mistake in not listening to those instincts screaming at her to say no to the offer of help, to not trust someone so charming or so deadly. She barely escaped an attack that would have resulted in not only rape but murder by a man who had done both before. And now she’s in hiding because that serial killer is still out there… and he’s searching for her. With her rescue dog, Atlas, a stubborn pup who usually hates men, Payton will return to the home she inherited, determined to lay low and stay alive. Her property is rather run down, and she really isn’t as safe there as she’d hoped she’d be. The kindness of a stranger, a man whose family owns the famous ranch across the street will change her life in so many ways. As well as offer a future she’d never imagined… but first, they both have to survive.
Callum has returned to the family ranch at his mother’s request. In fact, she’s asked all of her children to come home immediately. His grandfather, who he argued with constantly and was the reason Callum left Cider Creek to make his life and fortune elsewhere, has died leaving only Callum’s mother and grandmother (and ranch hands) at the ranch. There’s more that she’s not telling him, but he has no intention of leaving the business he’s started in Houston for longer than a few weeks to figure out what’s going on at home. His visit to the new neighbor across the way will change his life as he helps to keep her safe from a serial killer. Helping Payton wasn’t a chore at all; the attraction sparking between them is obvious even in the face of danger. But he’s given his trust before and been burned badly for that decision. Trust isn’t something he easily gives, but with Payton (and her protective, stubborn dog) he might be on the way to learning a few new tricks of his own.
Rescued by the Rancher caught my attention and imagination from the first chapter and never let go until the final page. Theirs is a believable slow-burn style of romance as they face the danger that Payton is in together, begin to unravel the additional danger to Callum’s family ranch, and track down a killer who has no intention of allowing the victim who survived to get away from him. I will mention that attempted rape is a subject in this story. Not graphic by any means, but if this might be a trigger situation for you… simply be aware.
I had such a good time in this world with a story that is gripping, humorous at times, and intensely dangerous at others. There is a bit of world-building in the background since this is the first story in a new series, but what is there is smoothly delivered as narrative or dialogue. This is the type of story that draws me back to a series, with believable characters, enough of a mystery to grab my imagination, and a well-written story that invites me to learn more about what is happening to the Hayes family. If that’s your type of story as well, then I’m betting you’re going to love The Cowboys of Cider Creek. I know I already do.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
December 2, 2023
Good start to the series, with a nice mix of romance and suspense. The story opens as Payton barely escapes from a serial killer. She's kicking herself for not trusting the instincts that warned her against trusting the softspoken man who offered help with her groceries. She's left Austin for Cider Creek and the house her aunt left her, looking for somewhere to keep a low profile until the police catch the killer. With her is Atlas, her newly adopted dog, who doesn't like men.
Callum has been called back to the family ranch by his mother and grandmother. He and his five siblings left the ranch behind because of issues with their grandfather. Now that he's gone, his mother wants them all back on the ranch, but they all have their own lives and businesses. Callum is the oldest and is tasked with finding out what is happening. He plans to stay a couple of weeks and then leave again. Then, he meets the lovely lady in the house across the road.
I loved seeing Callum scurry over to Payton's place with a batch of his grandmother's muffins, mainly to escape being interrogated by his mother. It was an interesting first meeting with Atlas trying to attack him, then Callum rescuing Atlas after a wild hog attacks him. When Callum hears what Payton has been through, his protective instincts are aroused. I liked how he and his mom and grandmother insisted she stay with them. Protectiveness isn't all that Callum experiences with Payton. He's never felt such an instant connection with another woman and is wary of risking his heart after a previous betrayal. Payton feels the same intense attraction but also has trust issues, thanks to her parents' volatile relationship. But the more time they spend together, the easier for them to believe they have something special.
Callum is determined to protect Payton and accompanies her back to Austin for a meeting with the police, only to discover that it was a trick from the killer. I was glued to the pages as Callum and Payton put their heads together to investigate who the killer could be. Their methods made a lot of sense, and they had a good chance of success. The intensity ramped up thanks to a strange encounter and new information. The final confrontation had a twist I didn't expect, and I loved Callum's handling of it.
A secondary mystery involving threats and vandalism at the ranch is ongoing. This is part of why Callum's mom wants her family back at the ranch. I liked seeing Callum reordering his priorities and finding a way to have the best of both worlds. I liked the ending and seeing him and Payton moving forward together. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, seeing his siblings' stories, and following what is happening with the ranch.
Callum has been called back to the family ranch by his mother and grandmother. He and his five siblings left the ranch behind because of issues with their grandfather. Now that he's gone, his mother wants them all back on the ranch, but they all have their own lives and businesses. Callum is the oldest and is tasked with finding out what is happening. He plans to stay a couple of weeks and then leave again. Then, he meets the lovely lady in the house across the road.
I loved seeing Callum scurry over to Payton's place with a batch of his grandmother's muffins, mainly to escape being interrogated by his mother. It was an interesting first meeting with Atlas trying to attack him, then Callum rescuing Atlas after a wild hog attacks him. When Callum hears what Payton has been through, his protective instincts are aroused. I liked how he and his mom and grandmother insisted she stay with them. Protectiveness isn't all that Callum experiences with Payton. He's never felt such an instant connection with another woman and is wary of risking his heart after a previous betrayal. Payton feels the same intense attraction but also has trust issues, thanks to her parents' volatile relationship. But the more time they spend together, the easier for them to believe they have something special.
Callum is determined to protect Payton and accompanies her back to Austin for a meeting with the police, only to discover that it was a trick from the killer. I was glued to the pages as Callum and Payton put their heads together to investigate who the killer could be. Their methods made a lot of sense, and they had a good chance of success. The intensity ramped up thanks to a strange encounter and new information. The final confrontation had a twist I didn't expect, and I loved Callum's handling of it.
A secondary mystery involving threats and vandalism at the ranch is ongoing. This is part of why Callum's mom wants her family back at the ranch. I liked seeing Callum reordering his priorities and finding a way to have the best of both worlds. I liked the ending and seeing him and Payton moving forward together. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, seeing his siblings' stories, and following what is happening with the ranch.
September 23, 2023
Payton barely escaped being rapped and attacked in her apartment. The man behind the mask is a serial killer. Payton is the only person that has ever escaped that we know of. Now he wants her dead even more. The book is intense in parts. She left the city to hide out in the country. Her handsome neighbor came to her aid when her dog got hurt. I loved how the friendship grew into love over time. Finding out what she went through he made it his mission to be her body guard. There were a few times I was glad he was there. I really enjoyed this book.
October 26, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by this author. There are two mysteries in this the book. I feel that the author could have gone into both mysteries in more deal before the book ended. I will keep reading the series to see if the author let's the reader what happens with the second mystery. If anyone else reads this book let me know what your feelings are about this book and author.
March 31, 2023
cute romantic suspense
She was attacked in her home and is hiding out at an inherited house when the rancher across the street stops by to be neighborly. Soon they are doing there own investigation to catch her attacker! Cute story with HEA.
She was attacked in her home and is hiding out at an inherited house when the rancher across the street stops by to be neighborly. Soon they are doing there own investigation to catch her attacker! Cute story with HEA.
April 1, 2023
Read like an abridged version of a longer book. Very nondescriptive and I couldn't connect with either MC. Seems like there were a lot of unanswered questions. Not my favorite but would be perfect for a reader needing a quick fix.
December 18, 2023
Rescued by the Rancher
Another good read by Barb Han,but not as good as other works by her. It felt as if she wanted to get this story done and dusted by putting in too much detail and not enough at the end. Still an o.k story but the ending was covered way too fast.
Another good read by Barb Han,but not as good as other works by her. It felt as if she wanted to get this story done and dusted by putting in too much detail and not enough at the end. Still an o.k story but the ending was covered way too fast.
January 9, 2024
I think this is going to be a great series to read. I just finished the first book and I simply fell in love with it. The story was great and didn’t Vera off and kept you interested in not wanting to put the book down. Can’t wait to read the next books in the series.
September 13, 2024
Mystery and romance
What’s not to love about a good mystery with sweet romance and a loyal fur baby? I must be honest, I read this in one day because I couldn’t figure out who did it! I highly recommend this book.
What’s not to love about a good mystery with sweet romance and a loyal fur baby? I must be honest, I read this in one day because I couldn’t figure out who did it! I highly recommend this book.
Read
March 1, 2023Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Western Romance
Miniseries
The Cowboys of Cider Creek (Book #1)
Miniseries
The Cowboys of Cider Creek (Book #1)
July 23, 2023
Easy and predictable but still a decent read.
April 16, 2024
Short and simple. I like how there was no third-act breakup
October 24, 2024
Clean romance add a dog and you have a nice read!
She was attacked but managed to get away! The fear was debilitating! She met the rancher who was a big help! Enjoy!
She was attacked but managed to get away! The fear was debilitating! She met the rancher who was a big help! Enjoy!
March 6, 2025
Great series
April 18, 2024
A pleasant surprise. I liked how there was no 3rd act break-up.
July 8, 2023
I finished it. Barely. It has good potential with the story line, but it. Was. So. Slow. Like Lighting Larry Luciano for my SpongeBob fans.
Really repetitive. Everything got wrapped up in less than 2 chapters that were the last ones. Plus the marriage proposal threw me in a loop. Honeyyyy you just found the guy who tried to murder you and yes I know this rancher tackled him for your honor, BUT you have only known him less than and week and have kissed twice. I can’t.
Really repetitive. Everything got wrapped up in less than 2 chapters that were the last ones. Plus the marriage proposal threw me in a loop. Honeyyyy you just found the guy who tried to murder you and yes I know this rancher tackled him for your honor, BUT you have only known him less than and week and have kissed twice. I can’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
A very enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews